Thornberg moves into co-anchor spot on Fox weekday newscasts

Thornberg was chosen to co-anchor the 6 and 9 p.m. weekday newscasts with Austen Schauer.

Thornberg replaces former co-anchor Andrea Larson, who left KVRR in December for Valley News Live. Before coming to Fox in 2007, she had worked there since 1999.

Thornberg started her career with KVRR as a production assistant more than eight years ago. She worked her way up to reporter and weekend anchor and she anchored the 9 p.m. weekend newscast for the past four years.

“It’s a great opportunity, and I’ve been here several years so it’s kind of an exciting new happening,” Thornberg said.

Jim Shaw, KVRR news director, said the station heard from many viewers suggesting Thornberg replace Larson after her departure was announced.

Shaw said the outpouring of viewer opinion made the decision an easy one.

“She’s just a terrific person,” he said. “(She is) just the kind of person any newsroom would want to have. People really like her.”

Although Thornberg joked Monday that many of the calls were probably from her mother, the Walhalla, N.D., native said the support meant a lot to her.

“That was really nice to hear,” she said. “You’re looking at a camera and you don’t actually see the public, so it’s nice to know people are watching and like you.”

Thornberg is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Shaw said the station has begun the search to fill the weekend anchor position and plans to announce Thornberg’s replacement within a week or so.

“It will likely be an in-house person who replaces Candace,” Shaw said.

Larson is expected to return to the air on Valley News Live this month.

According to her LinkedIn page, a social networking site for professionals, Larson will anchor the 5:30 p.m. newscast.